On Wedsnesday, October 23 West Gate was joined by visitors from Flower City Lodge No. 689, Joseph A. Hearn Lodge No. 685 and University Lodge No. 496 of Toronto West District. Also in attendance was R.W. Bro Steve Warren, Member of the Board of Gerneral Purpose. It was was a full house with and even with lots on the agenda the meeting concluded in a timely manner. Of note was Bro. Durst's continuing program of education that was well received by those in attendance.Congratulations to Bro. Ramkhalawan, West Gate's newest member. Your enthusiasm was obvious and we will work hard to deserve it in the future.Bro. During, one of West Gate's newest affiliates, was honoured as he was celebrating his 25th years a Mason anniversary. He has been a great addition to the lodge and we are very lucky to have him.Happy 75th birthday R.W. Bro. Morrison. Our affection for you and appreciation of all your work in the Lodge was apparant. The cake and refreshments were a nice touch.

I have only been a Mason a relative short time, having discovered the craft just over 6 years ago, and I was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on the last day of my 30th year. I had the honor and privilege to serve my lodge as an officer shortly after joining and progressing through the oriental chair. I have learned much in this short time, and I am honored to know and call “Brother” the great men that make up my lodge and this fraternity. My only regret with regards of joining this ancient society is that I did not know of it sooner.

I did a good deal of my growing up in a small town, and like most small towns, there was a Masonic lodge there. In my youth, I must have walked past that building with the strange symbols on it at least a few hundred times. Yet, never did I have any idea what took place there or even an ideal as to the purpose of the building. I knew not of Masonry nor did I know any members to be as such. All I did know was that occasionally, there were cars in the parking lot, but most times the building sat vacant.

Many years later when I did learn about Freemasonry, it was with memory of that rarely used lodge from that small town that I sought out an active lodge. I may have received more than I had bargained for at my very busy lodge, but it was certainly more in kind with what I had hoped for. Yet, for all the joy this lodge has brought me, I am regretful of the years I missed out on the fellowship of the Masonic institution. If only that small town lodge had been more involved in the community, or the Masons there had shared their character more openly, I might have found my beloved fraternity a decade sooner.

While our lodge is more visible to the public than many due to our ongoing fish-frys (about 36 each year), I cannot help but wonder how many men walk past this building without knowing what happens here when we are not frying. How many qualified men could improve themselves in Masonry if they discovered the craft? How many young ladies would benefit from the Rainbow assembly if only they knew about it? How many young men would profit from being a part of the DeMolay chapter, if they learned such an organization exists? The lodge should be a beacon of light in its community, yet I am fearful that for most it remains shrouded in mystery.

It is a violation of our custom to recruit members, and instead rely on men of strong character to seek out Masonry on their own. While I certainly would not wish to change that, I ask: how can one find what he does not know about? Thus, I issue a challenge to my brothers to find ways to let our Masonic light shine for all to see; to make ourselves known to those around us, so that those good men that seek the light know where to look.

Jack Riddle is a member of Suburban Lodge #740 F&AM in Louisville, Kentucky where he was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on August 23rd, 2007. A short time thereafter, he assumed the duties of editor for the lodge newsletter and joined the line as Sr. Steward. He served his lodge as Master in 2012, and is a member of the Society of Past Masters of Kentucky.

We all know giving blood provides an essential lifeline to those in need, but a growing body of research demonstrates that it could have health benefits for the donor too.

Findings have shown that donating blood reduces the risk of heart attacks and even cancer. It even burns 650 calories for every pint given.

It is thought that the benefits arise from lowering high iron levels. Iron affects how thick and sticky the texture of the blood is. High iron levels cause the blood to be thicker. Raised iron levels also accelerate the oxidization process of cholesterol. This can affect blood consistency and create increased friction as it travels through blood vessels. As this increases wear and tear to the lining of arteries it could then contribute to cardiovascular disease.

Because donating blood removes some of its iron content, it may therefore have a protective benefit if done on a consistent basis by helping thin the blood. According to a study from the Journal of the American Medical Association, researchers found that those aged 43 to 61 had fewer heart attacks and strokes when they donated blood every six months. A study of 2,682 men from Finland found they had an 88 per cent reduced risk of heart attacks than those who don’t donate, reported Medical Daily.Likewise, a study published in the Journal of the National cancer Institute also links iron to an increased cancer risk as it’s believed to increase free-radical damage in the body. In line with this theory, a four-and-a-half-year study involving 1,200 people found those who made bi-annual blood donations had a lower incidence of cancer and mortality than those who didn’t because blood donations lowered their iron levels.

However, these benefits depend on making donations on a regular basis, rather than once in a while. Another side effect of donating blood is that it can burns a large number of calories too. After donating blood, the body replaces all of the blood volume within 48 hours, and all the red blood cells within four to eight weeks. The University of California in San Diego estimate that for every one pint of blood donated, 650 calories are burned as the body must replenish itself. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2333882/Donating-blood-good-YOUR-health-receiver.html#ixzz2hzWYdyna

On Tuesday, October 15, Peel Lodge hosted the DDGM on his Official Visit with five members of West Gate in attendance. The theme of the night was "Fall Harvest" complete with a delicious turkey dinner and pie for dessert.

Peel Lodge conferred a Second Degree on Bro. Charbeneau of Mississauga Lodge. Mississauga lodge supported their candidate with a strong turnout. The work was done exceptionally well and the members of Peel Lodge should be very proud of hosting such an excellent evening.

In an effort to understand what went wrong and what lessons in leadership the tragedy can offer, leaders directly and indirectly involved in the disaster spoke candidly at the Tokyo panel on Fukushima sponsored by Wharton’s Initiative for Global Environmental Leadership (IGEL). Based on their presentations in Tokyo and the analyses of others in Japan and elsewhere, three areas emerge as essential to leadership in a crisis: preparation for emergencies, leadership style and communications.

The full article is available here and contains many transferable lessons for leaders.

West Gate, led by W. Bro. Tom had 4 members at the Official Visit to Mississauga Lodge No. 524. Also in attendance was a large contingent from River Park No. 356.

The work was excellently conferred as Mississauga Lodge's newest member, Bro. Ponce de Leon, was Initiated into the Craft. Mississauga Lodge's hospitality was warm and welcoming as we enjoyed fraternal fellowship during the festive board.